Utilities & Energy Optimization Manager

Grand Canyon University•Phoenix, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for owning, managing, and developing comprehensive reporting and analysis for all campus utility data to drive visibility, accuracy, and informed decision-making. The manager will analyze utility rates, validate billing accuracy, and identify opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption through data analysis, system optimization, and targeted efficiency initiatives. This position supports peak demand reduction strategies, utility incentive programs, and collaborates with various teams to resolve inefficiencies. The role involves utilizing Building Management Systems (BMS) to diagnose performance issues, developing a portfolio of conservation projects, and identifying ROI-driven opportunities. Additionally, the manager will support leadership on capital planning, monitor and optimize campus water usage, and develop key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with industry standards. Regular executive-level reporting and data-driven analysis are crucial to support operational improvements, cost optimization, and strategic decision-making, as well as advancing campus sustainability goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, preferably in the fields of Engineering, Business Administration, Resource Management.
Experience in higher education, healthcare, or large campus environments
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or similar credential
Familiarity with energy modeling, retro-commissioning, or system optimization
Knowledge of building systems including HVAC, electrical distribution, and water systems
Experience with analytics platforms, dashboards, or data visualization tools
2+ years of demonstrated experience in energy and/or utilities management, with a focus on analyzing consumption, identifying inefficiencies, and supporting optimization of building systems
Must pass pre-employment background investigation.

Responsibilities

Own, manage, and develop comprehensive reporting and analysis for all campus utility data, driving visibility, accuracy, and informed decision-making
Analyze utility rates and validate billing accuracy to ensure cost integrity, identify discrepancies, and support financial optimization
Identify and drive opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption through data analysis, system optimization, and targeted efficiency initiatives
Analyze system performance using data from BMS and metering systems
Recommend and implement operational adjustments (setpoints, scheduling, sequencing)
Support peak demand reduction strategies and utility incentive programs
Partner with HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Controls teams to resolve inefficiencies
Utilize Building Management Systems (BMS) to diagnose system performance issues
Develop and maintain a rolling portfolio of energy and water conservation projects
Identify ROI-driven opportunities (retro-commissioning, equipment upgrades, controls optimization, etc.)
Collaborate with leadership on capital planning and prioritization
Monitor and optimize campus water usage, including irrigation and mechanical systems
Identify opportunities for conservation and efficiency improvements
Evaluate water usage across cooling towers and other major systems to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall system performance
Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for utilities and system performance, aligned with APPA benchmarks and industry standards
Provide regular, executive-level reporting to Facilities leadership, translating utility and system data into clear performance trends and insights
Deliver data-driven analysis and recommendations that support operational improvements, cost optimization, and strategic decision-making
Support sustainability initiatives by providing reporting, compliance documentation, and data-driven analysis to advance campus sustainability goals
Other duties as assigned